Hizbul sticks to its guns
The Hizbul Mujahideen has once again reiterated that it would be forced to reconsider its ceasefire declaration if India does not respond by 5 p.m. on August 8 to its demand for tripartite talks outside the framework of the Constitution.

Veerappan's demands and the response
Veerappan has demanded that a permanent solution to the Cauvery issue be found based on justice. He has also demanded adequate and justifiable compensation to Tamil victims of the 1991 Cauvery riots.

Next round of talks this week: Hizbul
Even as the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) today alleged violation of the ceasefire by the Army in certain areas, it said that the next round of talks will be held any time this week.

No role for Pakistan: PM
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today firmly ruled out the involvement of Pakistan in the on- going peace talks between the Government and the Hizbul Mujahideen on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Blast near Sinhala meeting venue
On the eve of a crucial parliamentary debate on changing the Constitution, a bomb explosion, at the venue of a meeting of Sinhala nationalist organisations, opposed to the proposed change, injured three people here.

Deposed Fijian premier visiting India
The deposed Fijian Prime Minister, Mr. Mahendra Chaudhry, who was released last month after being held hostage for eight weeks by the rebel leader, Mr. George Speight, is visiting India on August 17, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, said today.

Flood havoc in North, N-E
The flood situation in Bihar and the north east turned grim today. Army choppers airdropped relief material in worst-hit Sitamarhi, Sheohar and Muzaffarpur districts of Bihar for the second day today.